Lateral epicondylitis, more commonly known as “tennis elbow,” is a type of tendinitis caused by overuse of the elbow. This common injury affects more than just tennis players and other athletes. It can happen to anyone who frequently engages in activities that involve repetitive gripping. Tennis elbow can cause pain and tenderness in the elbow as well as the wrist and upper or lower arm. If these symptoms persist, it may lead an individual to wonder: “How do you treat tennis elbow?”
Treatments to Consider for Tennis Elbow
With conservative treatment, tennis elbow will sometimes heal on its own over the course of a few days or weeks. How do you treat tennis elbow with first-line treatments? Here are a few methods to try, with the guidance of your orthopedic surgeon:
- Resting the elbow and avoiding activities that cause pain
- Icing the elbow to help ease swelling and relieve pain
- Taking anti-inflammatory medications to manage discomfort and swelling
- Wearing an elbow strap to protect the affected tendon from further injury/strain
- Doing range of motion exercises to decrease stiffness and restore strength and flexibility
- Getting steroid injections to reduce pain and swelling in the elbow joint
Many patients with tennis elbow experience relief after using a combination of these conservative treatment methods. In more severe cases, however, surgery may be needed to fully address symptoms of tennis elbow.
How do you treat tennis elbow with surgery? Typically, the procedure involves removal of the damaged section of tendon and repair of the remaining tendon. For more information on tennis elbow surgery and what to expect after tennis elbow surgery, please click over to our recent post on this topic.
Discuss Your Elbow Treatment Options with Dr. Soffer
Experiencing lingering elbow symptoms such as pain, weakness and reduced range of motion? It may be time to see Dr. Stephen Soffer for orthopedic care. As an elbow expert serving patients in the Reading, PA area, Dr. Soffer focuses on treating orthopedic conditions with skill and compassion. Along with Dr. James Andrews, Dr. Soffer coauthored the first elbow arthroscopy textbook published in the US.
If you or a loved one is suffering from persistent elbow discomfort, Dr. Soffer will use the most advanced diagnostic tools available to determine the cause and prescribe the most appropriate course of treatment.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer, please call our office at 610-375-4949. We look forward to making your acquaintance and providing the care you need to get back to your normal lifestyle as quickly as possible.
